PLANNING permission has been given to Winton Library for vital refurbishment work. 

The library in Wimborne Road is suffering from “severe” cracking of the brickwork, the access ramp is a “trip hazard” and the handrail is now “unstable”. 

Stephen Back, a structural engineer based in Poole, found numerous problems, including the access ramp’s concrete slab being a “potential trip hazard”. 

BCP Council also deemed its Grade II listed library a “risk to the safety of the general public” in a report. 

Planning officer Kalina Kuteva, of the local authority, has now given repair work to the building the go-ahead. 

She said: “It is considered that [...] the development would preserve the listed building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. 

“No person shall execute or cause to be executed any works for the demolition of a listed building or for its alteration or extension in a manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, unless authorised.” 

Culture cabinet member Andy Martin said the repairs will ensure the library is fit for purpose “for years to come”.